Of course, the newer Abarth has the upper hand where performance is concerned--compare the tuned 695's 180 hp with the 595's meager 28 hp--but it's tough to fit the classic coupe's quirky charm onto a spec sheet. The same is true inside the car: Although the plush leather interior of the 695 boasts Maserati-grade luxury, the Spartan cockpit of the 595 sits in a truly iconic, historically significant automobile.

There are more than a few classic Abarth clones out there, but the seller claims that this 595, which he imported from Italy, is the real deal. A fresh coat of white paint and a handful of NOS replacement parts are allegedly the only nonoriginal components on the vehicle.

Prospective buyers still have a few days to dream of summer fun behind the wheel of the diminutive Abarth, which is in San Mateo, Calif. Bidding on the vehicle ends May 23.

Graham Kozak
- Graham Kozak drove a 1951 Packard 200 sedan in high school because he wanted something that would be easy to find in a parking lot. He thinks all the things they're doing with fuel injection and seatbelts these days are pretty nifty too.
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